their chief, now 75 years of age, were straggling about in quest of whiskey, which if not prohibited, would, in all probability, be less plentifully supplied.
The adjoining forest was already adorned with flowers, like the month of May in the middle states. The woods, which had been overrun by fire in autumn, were strewed in almost exclusive profusion with the Ranunculus marilandicus, in full bloom, affording, with other herbage, already an abundant pasture {97} for the cattle. Towards evening, Mr. Drope, with his large and commodious trading boat of 25 tons burthen, passed this place on his way to the garrison, with whom I was to embark on the following morning.
9th.] I walked about four miles to Mr. Dardennes', where there were two families residing on the bank of the river, which is agreeably elevated, and here I had the satisfaction of joining Mr. Drope. Lands of the same fertile quality as that on the border of the river, extend here from it for eight miles without interruption, and free from inundation. The claim of Winters' still continues up to an island nearly opposite Mr. Lewismore's, but the survey of all this land, now ordered by Congress, seems to imply the annihilation of this claim, which for the benefit of the settlement ought promptly to be decided.
Four miles above Dardennes', commences the first gravel-bar, accompanied by very rapid water.
10th.] We now passed Mr. Mason's, 18 miles above Dardennes', where likewise exists an extensive body of rich and dry land, along the borders of Plum bayou.[107]
